Florida is the second most visited state in the U.S., relying on tourism to drive its economy more than any other state. The Sunshine State also relies heavily on international trade, agriculture, aerospace and aviation, and the life sciences. As of 2020, Florida had the fourth-largest economy in the United States behind California, Texas, and New York with a gross domestic product (GDP) of $1.1 trillion and a $101.5 billion budget for 2021-2022.123

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SSC Videos - Bridges to Peace and Understanding

Video SSC

Click to view our nice older video about Sarasota Sister Cities

https://vimeo.com/107003829

Selby Gardens Ground Breaking

Help us break ground for the Master Plan on Thursday, June 3!

Dear Friends,

We are two weeks away from a momentous time in Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' history! As you know, the Groundbreaking Ceremony for our Downtown Sarasota campus Master Plan has been set for Thursday, June 3, so it's time to get started!

I am thrilled to report that we have now raised $38.5 million toward the anticipated Phase One Goal of $42.5 million -- which is more than 90 percent of the way there, and we are aiming to secure all remaining funding commitments before the festivities take place. On behalf of all of us at Selby Gardens, we do hope you will help us to make our vital vision for the future a reality by supporting our campaign for this effort: Innovating a Greener Future: The Campaign for Selby Gardens.

There are many ways you can support this transformational undertaking, and a number of wonderful naming opportunities are available for recognition starting at $2,500 with a solar panel and moving up to the leadership level. You can also make a contribution at any level here. To request a list of naming opportunities, please contact Hermione Gilpin, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Membership at 941.248.3583 or hgilpin@selby.org. If you are planning to leave Selby Gardens in your estate plan, I encourage you to let us know so that we can recognize you now as part of this once-in-a-lifetime undertaking. All contributors to the Master Plan will be invited to attend the Groundbreaking Ceremony, and leadership donors will be recognized during the festivities. You will also be able to attend virtually through a live simulcast.

This Master Plan is a vital opportunity to realize the full potential of our beloved gardens, while also preserving our important history for the generations to come. At the same time, it will allow us to:

Add more open space
Safeguard and showcase the world's best scientifically documented collections of orchids and bromeliads
Become the first ever net positive botanical garden complex and an international model for the latest green building technology
Accommodate our rapidly growing visitor base
Connect the underserved families and children in our region to the wonders of Selby Gardens

Thank you for considering the dynamic future of our treasured Selby Gardens. We look forward to hearing from you, and to beginning our sustainable future with you!

Cheers,

Jennifer O. Rominiecki
President & CEO

Donate to Master Plan

Sunrises and Sunsets

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Sunset Album

Sunrise Lakewood Ranch, FL

Sunset Waterfront Main St Nov 20, 2018

Siesta Key Meet and Greet Oct 14, 2020

Sunsets on the Road

Downtown Sarasota